What is the best way to see the Italian Riviera in one day?

If you only have one day in the Italian Riviera, Forbes Travel Guide recommends focusing on just one area, so you have time to linger in the villages and appreciate the atmosphere. Explore the Gulf of Tigullio, where you’ll find the beautiful towns of Portofino, Santa Margherita Ligure and Rapallo. This is a magnificent stretch of the Riviera di Levante, brimming with marine views, quaint fishing villages, lush vegetation and mountains.

Start your day by following the old coastal route, Via Aurelia. You’ll begin at Nervi, where you should take a walk on the gorgeous seafront promenade. Continue on to Camogli and wander around the tiny streets of the old village. Climb up to Belvedere di San Rocco for the spectacular view of the coast that stretches from Genoa to Punta Chiappa. As you proceed east, you’ll first encounter Portofino, an old fishing village popular with international jetsetters who park their luxurious yachts in the colorful port. Take the 20-minute boat trip to the tiny island of San Fruttuoso, which features a secluded village of fishermen and a Benedictine abbey.

Then proceed to Santa Margherita Ligure. There, you’ll find an elegant seafront promenade lined with shops, bars, restaurants and more yachts. Continue on to Rapallo and go up to the Sanctuary of Montallegro to admire the beautiful view. In Chiavari, walk the old main street and visit the Basilica dei Fieschi. End your day in Sestri Levante, a town known for its picturesque port called the Bay of Silence. Climb to the Parco dei Castelli at the top of the cape for your last beautiful view of the Ligurian coast.